Prior to its kickoff on Saturday (September 17, 2011) the ninth-ranked Thomas More College football team will honor the memory of Tony Merk as the team will present Tony's family with its 2010 PAC Championship ring. 

Six-year old Tony was an honorary captain for the Thomas More football team in 2010.  On July 4, 2011 he lost his battle with medulloblastoma, a form of pediatric brain cancer.

During Tony's three-year battle, the motto for Tony and the Merk family was "Pray-Hope-Believe."  This message of strength resonated loudly with many, and following the 2010 season, the Saints chose to have these words engraved on their PAC Championship rings.

Tony's brave and joyful presence is also remembered in a special way with a "TONYBOY" decal on all the Saints' helmets. The 2011 season has also been dedicated to Tony and his family.

The Saints will present the ring on Saturday to Tony's parents, Rick and Lynne, and Tony's older brothers, Alex, Ben and Max.